Seventy-two nonhuman primates were entered into a long-term study to evaluate the pathogenicity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Infectious virus was inoculated into 42 rhesus monkeys, 4 chimpanzees and 1 cynomolgus monkey. Immunostimulation or immunosuppression was attempted in 34 of these animals to enhance the oncogenic potential of the virus. Eleven inoculated animals were followed for more than 3 years and two were observed for 8 years. No tumors were observed in any of the animals; however, serological evaluation of the 47 inoculated primates and 25 matched controls indicated that at least 14 rhesus monkeys and the cynomolgus monkey were successfully infected with EBV. The potential use of rhesus monkeys as a model for EBV-induced disease in humans is discussed.

One of six white-lipped marmosets inoculated with cell-free B95-8 virus developed diffuse malignant lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was detected in a pathologically enlarged mandibular lymph node by DNA-DNA hybridization. The affected animal at the time of killing had EBV antibody titers of 1:320 for viral capsid antigen (VCA) and 1:20 for early antigen (EA) while all non-diseased animals had less than or equal to 1:80 VCA antibody and no detectable EA antibody. This is the first report of lymphoma development in a white-lipped marmoset following EBV inoculation.

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